Can power steering fluid ruin the seals in the steering box? I have a feeling that the PO of my rig put PS fluid in the system instead of ATF when he had the engine rebuilt. The runner has had a SLOOOOW leak from the steering box area. I haven't driven my runner much since I bought it last year due to DL problems in Ca that will finally be resolved next month. I drove my runner today, around the property, and when I turned the steering wheel, I hear a slight groaning. Park and check the reservoir, and it's almost bone dry. I've know 'bout the leak, just haven't had the time to check it out as other things had come up, weather-wise. I'm doing the Aisin hub switch next month, new bearings, and brakes. Just thinking 'bout the steering box ahead of time. If the PO did use PS fluid, could I be looking at a steering box rebuild, or replacement? Or could the PS fluid ruined the hoses? What do you guys think? The rig is in my sig.....

 

I'm running ps fluid with no issues. I've had one leak since i converted to power steering but all of the other seals seem to be fine running the ps fluid.

 

I think when you run ATF mixed with PSF things start to get hairy.

 

you will develop a leak... mine did, and its leaking like a siv...
and its getting worse by the day...

someone please chime in...

also, freak, according to the "best junkyard mods" thread, a 95+ steeringbox will fit onto our runners and give it a better steering ratio... if its true, thats what im gonna do...

 

Uh oh...

Dont listen to me freak i will mess you up lol

 

Umm, running PS fluid, no leaks.

 

Thats what I was thinking.

Yeah, I've got a leak, hoping it's just hoses and PSF. If it's a simple rebuild, no sweat. You better get yours takin care of before the trip. If you go the junkyard box route, have the info all ready for me, I'll get from ya over a beer.

Al, I take everything you suggest with a grain of salt.....lol! But it's all good tho.

 

PS fluid will eat away at your seals over time. ATF is the same thing but it has much much more conditioners and cleaners. Swap it over or deal with leaks. I had a leaky ps pump, now my gearbox leaks... Going to try some stop leak crap.

Interesting bout that new gearbox mod.. Is it the newer 2nd gens? I don't think the 3rd gens use a similar gearbox what with the rack and pinion steering...

 

I'm not gonna swap it over to PSF. I'll rebuild the box, or replace with what Space was talking 'bout. But I never had problems with steering boxes and stuff before, so I was brainstorming, and asking questions. Trying to get a plan together in the direction I need to go. I'm doing all the front end work the 2 weeks my family is going to be here, (great planning huh?) and I don't want surprises, know what I mean?